A small CPA firm that has outgrown its existing telephone system is behind the times - shouting across the office won't quite do the trick. Convenience and capacity go hand in hand to deliver user-friendly solutions for employees, managers and partners. International Data Corp. reports that 8 million businesses with a staff of 99 or less use 10 telephone sets, or fewer in some cases-numbers that seem puny in today's electronic environment.

Often, upgrades can be installed through plug-ins rather than purchasing new systems. Firms should evaluate their needs based on current needs and growth expectations. For example, if a firm has seen steady growth over the past three years, then an expanded phone system also should reflect that growth as well as what the future holds.

Firms do not need the more expensive PBX systems anymore given the technology available with internal wiring in linking telephone desk sets.